Thaksin's empowerment of the poor rural majority by implementing welfare programmes such as a universal healthcare scheme and cheap credit sparked fears in the country's elite that the wealth gap that gave them their lives of privilege could evaporate.

So his elitist, royalist opponents exploited Thaksin's weaknesses: corruption, heavy-handedness in dealing with alleged drug lords, accusations of manipulating the media and rumours of plans to turn Thailand into a republic.

The 2006 PAD-led street protests eventually triggered the bloodless coup that overthrew Thaksin in favour of a military-backed government.

Last year, the PAD also led protests that culminated in court rulings that forced the resignations of successive prime ministers deemed to be Thaksin allies perpetuating his policies.